Friarage Hospital decision sent for independent review

Friarage Hospital decision sent for independent review

A decision to downgrade services at the Friarage Hospital in North Yorkshire has been sent to the Secretary of State for review.

Friarage Hospital, Northallerton Credit: ITV News Tyne Tees

It was decided in February 2014 that children's and maternity services at the Friarage in Northallerton would be scaled back. It was claimed that treatment at larger hospitals in Middlesbrough, Leeds or Darlington would be safer.

However, thousands of families have campaigned against the move, saying it would be risky for patients to travel further.

William Hague, the Conservative MP for the area, has asked for the decision to be reconsidered.

Now it has been decided it will be sent to the Health Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, requesting a full review by the Independent Reconfiguration Panel.